Dialing in fit on a V20

[Mrnelson]

I'm struggling to adjust the fit of the boom/cockpit of my V20 and one of the frustrations is that each movement of the clamp and/or boom affects the shifting and braking cables. I did ok for years doing basic mechanics on my rear wheel drive recumbent but this is frustrating me, and the problem is that my local bike shops are absolutely slammed, especially for such small potatoes, not an option to bring it in to them. So when I move the steering boom closer or the bottom bracket up just a tad the whole shifting mechanism goes off, more than the what the cable tensioners can fix.

I'm pretty sure of the BB fit so I now only want the steering boom to come closer to me but I'm afraid it will throw off all the shifting cables. Any advice appreciated. (sorry, I'm not a mechanic and I have no real space to work being in an apartment).

 

[Beano]

If you want the steering boom to come closer but the bb to stay then this will affect the braking and shifting as the cables will probably have to loose in order to move.

Get the position you want and then do the indexing and adjusting. You don't need plenty of room and there a load of videos online regarding brake adjustment and mech adjustment.

Good luck.

 

[Bentsoup]

I'm struggling to adjust the fit of the boom/cockpit of my V20 and one of the frustrations is that each movement of the clamp and/or boom affects the shifting and braking cables. I did ok for years doing basic mechanics on my rear wheel drive recumbent but this is frustrating me, and the problem is that my local bike shops are absolutely slammed, especially for such small potatoes, not an option to bring it in to them. So when I move the steering boom closer or the bottom bracket up just a tad the whole shifting mechanism goes off, more than the what the cable tensioners can fix.

I'm pretty sure of the BB fit so I now only want the steering boom to come closer to me but I'm afraid it will throw off all the shifting cables. Any advice appreciated. (sorry, I'm not a mechanic and I have no real space to work being in an apartment).

I don't know where you are located, but look into Velofix. They are a mobile mechanic, and usually get to me within a few days, rather than weeks. Locally franchised too. I prefer my local shop, and support local, but with my shops being 4 weeks backed up, Velofix has come through for me several times.

 

[DavidCH]

Set up your rear derailleur first... then adjust boom to your hearts content. I found that the choice of handlebar has significant effect. When you are in a comfortable fit and can ride without trouble then put the front derailleur on. I found it's easier to set up the front derailleur without the front wheel in.

Hope that helps

 

[Andrew Wilson]

Not sure what I did differently, but I can move the boom and slider quite a bit ( to the limits of the housing slack) and it never effects the derailleur performance. Front or rear.

 

[M.J]

Not sure what I did differently, but I can move the boom and slider quite a bit ( to the limits of the housing slack) and it never effects the derailleur performance. Front or rear.

Same here. I'm confused as to why there would be trouble unless the cables are way too short.

 

[3bs]

need pictures. it sounds to me like something is pinched or wrapped or a cable is hanging up somewhere maybe in a guide.

i just set up a new v for a guy like 2 months ago from the box, and had no issues fitting him. had a couple barrel adjusts on stuff and that was it.

 

[Mrnelson]

Thanks, all. I will work on it today keeping in mind your suggestions. (Could be pinched cables, I'll keep an eye out for it.)

 

[ccooper]

Just leave plenty of slack in the cables for now. Ride the bike for a while, until you are satisfied with the position. Then go in once and shorten the cables so that they look better.